Toilet Training Stool

ABSTRACT

A stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, includes a stool having a generally planar platform and a base, and an attachment means configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating means configured to allow the attachment means to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl.

BACKGROUND

Toilet training is an important stage in a child's growth, and many absorbent articles and accessories have been adapted for use in a toilet training program. An important aspect in toilet training is making a standard toilet, which is typically sized for an adult, accessible to a young child.

Attempts to address this accessibility issue include various stools designed to allow a child to reach and use the toilet. Such stools, however, typically inhibit use of the toilet by an adult, and require the adult to physically move the stool to a different part of a bathroom. Once moved, the stool cannot be immediately used by a child. In addition, there might be little space to store such a stool in what might be a small bathroom. Other such stools can have a stored position adjacent the toilet, but such stored position is above the level of the toilet seat, leaving a stool with excessive potential energy and the risk of crashing down onto a child.

As a result, stools used to provide accessibility of a toilet to a toilet training child are well-intentioned but problematic in everyday use.

SUMMARY

As caregivers undertake programs to address toilet training, enuresis control, or incontinence, which apply across demographics, those caregivers would benefit by providing greater access to accessories that are specifically designed to enhance the accessibility of a toilet without significantly inhibiting access by one who is not training.

The invention described herein solves the problems described above and provides an increase in toilet training efficacy using a toilet training stool that can be easily used and easily stored without posing a risk to a child. The present inventors undertook intensive research and development efforts concerning improving the toilet training, particularly with respect to providing accessories to normalize the toilet training process.

In particular, the present application is directed to a stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the stool system including s stool including a generally planar platform and a base, and an attachment means configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating means configured to allow the attachment means to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl.

The present application is also directed to a reconfigurable stool for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the stool including a generally planar platform, wherein the platform includes first and second platform pieces, and wherein the first platform piece is movably attached to the second platform piece, and a base, wherein the base includes first and second base pieces, and wherein the first base piece is movably attached to the second base piece. The stool also includes an attachment means configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl.

The present application is also directed to a stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the seat defining a seat plane, the stool system including a stool including a generally planar platform and a base, wherein the platform is movably attached to the base, and an attachment means configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating means configured to allow the attachment means to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is substantially below the seat plane when the stool is in the storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toilet training stool of the present application, where the toilet training stool is in a use position and coupled to a toilet;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toilet training stool of FIG. 1, where the toilet training stool is translated to an alternate position while still coupled to the toilet;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toilet training stool of FIG. 2, where the toilet training stool is translated to an alternate position and folded into a storage position while still coupled to the toilet;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of another aspect of the toilet training stool of FIG. 1, where the toilet training stool is in a use position and coupled to a toilet;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the toilet training stool of FIG. 4, where the toilet training stool is folded into a storage position while still coupled to the toilet;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another aspect of the toilet training stool of FIG. 1, where the toilet training stool is in a use position and coupled to a toilet; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the toilet training stool of FIG. 6, where the toilet training stool is folded into a storage position while still coupled to the toilet.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. The drawings are representational and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary aspects of the present invention only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

The present disclosure is generally directed to tools for use in toilet training, particularly those that can be used in conjunction with a standard toilet 10. The toilet training tool can be coupled to a standard toilet and can be used by a child undergoing toilet training, but can then be moved into a storage position to allow the toilet 10 to be used by an older child or an adult.

The toilet training tool of the present application is configured to be used in conjunction with a standard toilet 10 having a bowl 12 and a seat 14. The toilet 10 can also include a separate, attached, or incorporated tank 16, but the specific configuration of the toilet 10 is largely immaterial to the present application.

The toilet training tool of the present application includes a stool system 20 for use in conjunction with a toilet 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. The stool system 20 includes a stool 40, an attachment means 80 for attachment to the toilet bowl 12, and an accommodating means 90 for attaching the stool 40 to the attachment means 80, thereby coupling the stool 40 to the toilet bowl 12. The general features and operation of the stool system 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

The stool 40 of the present application is configured to be movable between a use position and a storage position. In the use position shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, the stool 40 provides a raised platform to allow a toilet training child better access to a standard toilet 10. In the storage position shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the stool 40 is moved such that the toilet 10 is again made accessible to older children or adults without the impediment of the stool 40 itself.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the stool 40 is coupled to the toilet bowl 12 for stability while in the use position and for immediate access while in the storage position. In one aspect, the stool 40 can be transitioned from the use position to the storage position by translating the stool 40 from a use position at the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 to a storage position away from the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In another aspect, the stool 40 can be transitioned from the use position to the storage position by folding the stool 40 from a use position to a storage position. In yet another aspect, the stool 40 can be transitioned from the use position to the storage position by collapsing the stool 40 from a use position to a storage position.

The stool 40 has a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension that can change during the transition from the use position to the storage position. For example, transitioning the stool 40 from the use position to the storage position by collapsing the stool 40 will decrease the vertical dimension of the stool 40 and might or might not affect the horizontal dimension of the stool 40.

In another aspect, the stool 40 has an envelope, which is the volume occupied by the stool 40 including any open space within the stool 40. In other words, the envelope is the volume of a theoretical three-dimensional shape drawn to encompass the outer limits of the stool 40. The envelope of the stool 40 can change during the transition from the use position to the storage position. For example, transitioning the stool 40 from the use position to the storage position by collapsing the stool 40 will decrease the envelope of the stool 40.

The stool 40 includes a platform 50 and a base 60. When the stool 40 is in the use position, the platform 50 is generally planar and generally parallel to the floor on which the toilet 10 is disposed to provide a toilet training child with a raised surface on which to step or stand, thus allowing easier access to a standard toilet 10 that is otherwise typically sized to accommodate an adult. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the platform 50 is a single piece of material. In other aspects, the platform 50 can be constructed from two or more pieces of one or more materials. If the platform 50 includes more than one piece, the multiple pieces can be affixed to one another using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, interlocking members, or any other suitable means. The multiple pieces can be removably affixed to one another, or the multiple pieces can be permanently affixed to one another. The platform 50 can be constructed from wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, and can include rubber, grit, ridges, or any other friction-increasing and/or softness-providing material on its upper surface 52 to better accommodate its use with a toilet training child.

In other aspects, the multiple pieces can be movably attached to one another to allow a given piece to move relative to another piece. In these aspects, the multiple pieces can be slidably attached, hingedly attached, or movably attached by any other suitable means.

In a particular aspect of the present disclosure, the platform 50 includes three pieces: a center piece 54 and two outboard pieces 56. Each outboard piece 56 is attached to the center piece 54 but not directly to the other outboard piece 56. Each attachment is made using one or more hinges of any suitable design, and the pieces are shaped to allow one piece to be hingedly movable relative to the piece to which it is attached. In this aspect, the outboard pieces 56 can be configured to fold upwardly relative to the center piece 54 to form a U-shape with the center piece 54.

The stool 40 also includes a base 60 employed to support the platform 50. At least a portion of the base 60 is disposed between the platform 50 and the floor to provide stability to the platform 50 when the stool 40 is in the use position. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the base 60 is affixed to the platform 50 such that the base 60 is movable with the platform 50, and such that the base 60 does not change shape when moved with the platform 50. This aspect is particularly useful for the configuration in which the stool 40 transitions from the use position to the storage position by translation.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the base 60 is movably attached to the platform 50. The platform 50 and the base 60 can be movably attached to one another to allow one or both of the base 60 and the platform 50 to move relative to the other. In this aspect, the base 60 and the platform 50 can be slidably attached, hingedly attached, or movably attached by any other suitable means.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the base 60 and the platform 50 are not attached directly to one another, but are instead each attached to a third structure such that the platform 50 is adjacent the base 60. In this aspect, each of the base 60 and the platform 50 can be slidably attached, hingedly attached, or movably attached by any other suitable means to the third structure.

In any of these aspects, the platform 50 can be movable relative to the base 60, the base 60 can be movable relative to the platform 50, or both the platform 50 and the base 60 can be movable independently or together. Additionally, in any of these aspects, the base 60 can be constructed from wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, and can be similar or dissimilar to the material from which the platform 50 is constructed.

The base 60 can be constructed to include legs, struts, links, hinges, pins, a three-dimensional framework, a folding mechanism, a scissors mechanism, or any other suitable structure that can both support the platform 50 and be movable between the use position and the storage position.

In other aspects of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stool 40 can include a use retention means 70 to hold the stool 40 in the use position. The use retention means 70 can provide stability to the stool 40 to prevent inadvertent transition of the stool 40 to the storage position. In essence, the use retention means 70 locks or secures the stool 40 in the use position. The use retention means 70 can include one or more of a mechanical means including a toggle, a snap, a catch, a clasp, a strap, or an over-center mechanism. The use retention means 70 can also include an adhesive, a cohesive, a magnet, a suction cup, or a spring. For the situation in which the stool 40 transitions from the use position to the storage position in a direction with a component opposite that of gravity, gravity can be used to hold the stool 40 in the use position.

Similarly, the stool 40 can include a storage retention means 75 to hold the stool 40 in the storage position. The storage retention means 75 can provide stability to the stool 40 to prevent inadvertent transition of the stool 40 to the use position. In essence, the storage retention means 75 locks or secures the stool 40 in the storage position. The storage retention means 75 can include one or more of a mechanical means including a toggle, a snap, a catch, a clasp, a strap, or an over-center mechanism. The storage retention means 75 can also include an adhesive, a cohesive, a magnet, a suction cup, or a spring. For the situation in which the stool 40 transitions from the storage position to the use position in a direction with a component opposite that of gravity, gravity can be used to hold the stool 40 in the storage position.

In a particular aspect of the present disclosure, the base 60 includes a three-dimensional frame 62 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The three-dimensional frame 62 is attached to the attachment means 80 using a swing arm 64, thereby allowing the three-dimensional frame 62 to move up and down relative to the attachment means 80 in a generally vertical direction. As the three-dimensional frame 62 moves upwardly away from the floor, the fixed length of the swing arm 64 causes the three-dimensional frame 62 to move toward the toilet bowl 12. The three-dimensional frame 62 is sized and shaped such that the frame 62 wraps around the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12, thereby minimizing the extent to which the frame 62 extends from the toilet bowl 12 when the frame 62 is at its highest point.

The stool system 20 also includes an attachment means 80 to couple the stool 40 to the toilet bowl 12. The attachment means 80 can be releasably, semi-permanently, or permanently attached to the toilet bowl 12. The attachment means 80 can include one or more of a clamp, a strap, an adhesive, a magnet, an elastomeric band, hook and loop material, a cohesive, a suction cup, or a hook. When a user desires to decouple the stool 40 from the toilet bowl 12, the attachment means 80 can be detached from the toilet bowl 12, or the stool 40 can be detached from the attachment means 80, which can remain attached to the toilet bowl 12.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the stool 40 can include an accommodating means 90 to facilitate the attachment means 80 being attached to or detached from the stool 40. The accommodating means 90 can include any suitable mechanism for attaching the attachment means 80 to the stool 40, including a thumb screw, a pin, a snap, a strap, an elastomeric band, or a hole or a slot to accommodate a strap.

When the three-dimensional frame 62 is used in conjunction with the three-piece platform 50 described above, moving the frame 62 in an upward direction causes the frame 62 to raise the platform 50 as well. In this aspect, the frame 62 is hingedly attached to the center piece 54 of the platform 50 using hinges 66 (see FIG. 7). The center piece 54 is hingedly attached to the accommodating means 90 using hinge 68. The extensions of the frame 62 push on the outboard pieces 56 of the platform 50 causing the platform 50 to fold into a U shape. The platform 50 as a whole also rises upwardly with the frame. The three-piece platform 50 is sized and shaped such that the platform 50 wraps around the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12, thereby minimizing the extent to which the platform 50 extends from the toilet bowl 12 when the platform 50 is at its highest point. In this aspect, the three-dimensional frame 62 is sized and shaped such that the frame 62 wraps around the platform 50, which wraps around the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12, thereby minimizing the extent to which the platform 50 and frame 62 extend from the toilet bowl 12 when the platform 50 and frame 62 are at their highest points.

In use, the attachment means 80 is attached to the accommodating means 90 of the stool 40, and then the attachment means 80 is attached to the toilet bowl 12. In one aspect, the accommodating means 90 is configured to allow a caregiver or a child to remove the stool 40 from the attachment means 80 so that the stool 40 can be used at a sink or in another location. In another aspect, the attachment means 80 is configured to allow a caregiver or a child to remove the attachment means 80 from the toilet bowl 12 so that the stool 40 can be used at a sink or in another location.

In use, the stool system 20 can be configured to allow a caregiver or a child to move the stool 40 from the use position to the storage position. In one aspect, the stool 40, while remaining coupled to the toilet bowl 12, can be translated from the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 to a position offset from the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 such that the area in front of the toilet 10 is clear for non-toilet-training use. In another aspect, the stool 40, while remaining coupled to the toilet bowl 12, can be folded upwardly from its use position at the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 to a folded storage position still at the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 such that the area in front of the toilet 10 is generally clear for non-toilet-training use. In still another aspect, the stool 40, while remaining coupled to the toilet bowl 12, can be collapsed or flattened downwardly from its use position at the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 to a collapsed or flattened storage position still at the front 18 of the toilet bowl 12 such that the area in front of the toilet 10 is generally clear for non-toilet-training use.

It is generally preferable for the stool system 20 to remain substantially below the plane defined by the toilet seat 14 while in both the use position and the storage position. Allowing a storage position above the plane of the toilet seat 14 increases the potential energy the stool 40 has in the storage position, thereby increasing the damage to a user that might be caused should the stool 40 inadvertently drop from the storage position to the use position. Configuring the stool system 20 such that the stool 40 remains substantially below the plane of the toilet seat 14 can minimize the potential energy available to cause injury or damage due to an inadvertent change in position.

Similarly, the stool system 20 can be configured such that at least a portion of the stool 40 remains in contact with the floor while transitioning from the use position to the storage position, and even while the stool 40 is in the storage position. Configuring the stool system 20 such that at least a portion of the stool 40 remains in contact with the floor can also minimize the potential energy available to cause injury or damage due to an inadvertent change in position.

The stool system 20 can also include at least one hand hold (not shown) configured to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand to facilitate grasping the stool 40. The hand hold can be positioned on the platform 50, the base 60, or the attachment means 80. The stool system 20 can alternatively include a plurality of hand holds positioned on any or all of those locations. The hand hold can be a hole in the stool system 20. The hand hold can also be a handle or any other suitable device adapted to accomplish the purpose of grasping the stool system 20.

The primary use of the stool system 20 described herein is as a training aid to be used in the toilet training process. Toilet-training-age children typically need assistance in using a standard toilet 10 sized for an older child or an adult. The child can be lifted onto the toilet seat 14 by a caregiver, but a tool that allows for independence can be more effective in teaching toiletry habits. Choosing when to use the toilet 10, and being able to use the toilet 10 without adult assistance is a crucial step in becoming a big kid and it is a step that children find fun and exciting.

This practice of accommodating a child's use of a toilet 10 meets many of the criteria for a successful training aid. It is motivational for the child. It teaches that a toilet 10 can be used without the assistance of another person. It makes the child feel special and grown-up because they can use it on their own.

To enhance this approach, the stool system 20 can also include an informational item meant to instruct a caregiver with respect to the approaches and benefits described above. The informational item can describe the philosophy behind treating the stool 40 as the child's own possession and in instructing the child to take ownership of the stool 40. The informational item can also include information with respect to other tips and approaches to successful toilet training, including information regarding an appropriate response to an insult incident. Appropriate responses to an insult incident can include discussing physical sensations with the subject; informing the subject with respect to the relation between the physical sensations and the imminence of the insult; taking the subject to a bathroom; positioning the subject on a toilet 10; encouraging the subject to produce an insult; recognizing positive actions by the subject; and recognizing toilet training progress by the subject.

The informational item can also include information regarding tracking and assessing toilet training progress. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the informational item can include a growth chart, sizing information for shoes, sizing information for clothes, sizing information for absorbent articles, and/or other information useful to a caregiver or a child, printed or otherwise disposed thereon.

In various aspects, the stool system 20 can include other informational items such as instructions in the use of the product and tips for toilet training, enuresis control, or incontinence control. As used herein, the term “informational item” refers to objects that are provided in addition to disposable personal care articles, are adapted to communicate information to the user and/or consumer of the disposable personal care articles, and are associated with individual components of the stool system 20. Examples of informational items include cards, paper, electronic media, printing on the packaging, or other suitable media capable of storing and conveying information.

In various aspects, the informational items associated with the stool system 20 components can be adapted to appeal to the specific category of user and/or purchaser to which the stool system 20 is adapted. The informational items may be adapted, for example, by providing information likely to be of interest to a given category of user and/or purchaser.

For example, a stool system 20 can be adapted for use by a caregiver for toilet training purposes. An informational item can be associated with the stool system 20 that is adapted to interest caregivers. For example, the informational item can be a card containing information or instructions about children's health and hygiene, such as sleep habits, thumb sucking, teething, skin health, toilet training; questions to ask a child; jokes; and the like, and combinations thereof. The informational item can additionally or alternatively include addresses for web sites available on the internet. The web sites can contain information related to issues of interest for caregivers and users of toilet training stool systems 20.

The informational item can additionally or alternatively include addresses for web sites available on the internet or telephone numbers for audiovisual recorded information that can be played back by a computer or via telephone or other communication technology. The informational item can additionally or alternatively include information describing activities that are suitable for caregivers and users of disposable personal care articles. The activities can be adapted for a child at a specific age, size, and/or stage of development. For example, the activities can be adapted to promote interaction between the child and the caregiver.

Toilet training is described as an example of the use of the stool system 20, but this stool system 20 is equally applicable to other situations as well.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various aspects of the present invention may be interchanged either in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. 

1. A stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the stool system comprising: a stool including a generally planar platform and a base; and an attachment device configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating mechanism configured to allow the attachment device to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the toilet seat defines a seat plane, and wherein the stool is substantially below the seat plane when the stool is in the storage position.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the toilet is disposed on a floor, and wherein a portion of the stool is in contact with the floor when the stool is in the storage position.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the stool has a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension, and wherein the stool is foldable such that the stool reduces in the horizontal and/or the vertical dimension when folded.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the use position has a use position envelope and the storage position has a storage position envelope, and wherein the storage position envelope is smaller than the use position envelope.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform is movably attached to the base.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the platform is hingedly attached to the base.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform includes first and second platform pieces, and wherein the first platform piece is movably attached to the second platform piece.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the base includes first and second base pieces, and wherein the first base piece is movably attached to the second base piece.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a use retention apparatuses configured to hold the stool in the use position, wherein the use retention apparatuses includes one of a mechanical mechanism, an adhesive, a cohesive, a magnetic mechanism, or a suction cup.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the mechanical mechanism includes one of a toggle, a snap, a catch, a clasp, a strap, a spring, or an over-center mechanism.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage retention apparatus configured to hold the stool in the storage position, wherein the storage retention apparatus includes one of a mechanical mechanism, an adhesive, a cohesive, a magnetic mechanism, or a suction cup.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mechanical mechanism includes one of a toggle, a snap, a catch, a clasp, a strap, a spring, or an over-center mechanism.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment device includes one of a clamp, a strap, an adhesive, a magnet, a hook material, a cohesive, or a suction cup.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment device is configured to be releasably attachable to the accommodating means of the stool.
 16. A reconfigurable stool for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the stool comprising: a generally planar platform, wherein the platform includes first and second platform pieces, and wherein the first platform piece is movably attached to the second platform piece, and a base, wherein the base includes first and second base pieces, and wherein the first base piece is movably attached to the second base piece; and an attachment device configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl.
 17. The stool of claim 16, wherein the toilet seat defines a seat plane, and wherein the stool is substantially below the seat plane when the stool is in the storage position.
 18. The stool of claim 16, wherein the platform is movably attached to the base.
 19. A stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, the seat defining a seat plane, the stool system comprising: a stool including a generally planar platform and a base, wherein the platform is movably attached to the base; and an attachment device configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating mechanism configured to allow the attachment device to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is substantially below the seat plane when the stool is in the storage position.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the platform includes first and second platform pieces, and wherein the first platform piece is movably attached to the second platform piece. 